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calm

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noun

calm

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word calm different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of calm are peaceful, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence.

the protests ended, and the streets were calm again

When is peaceful a more appropriate choice than calm?

In some situations, the words peaceful and calm are roughly equivalent. However, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When might placid be a better fit than calm?

The words placid and calm can be used in similar contexts, but placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When would serene be a good substitute for calm?

Although the words serene and calm have much in common, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of calm?

The synonyms tranquil and calm are sometimes interchangeable, but tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of calm
Adjective
Remington stayed cool, calm and collected during the performance. Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025 Heart rate decreases during stretching, which could signify the body entering a calm state. Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
Amid hurricane-force winds and a fast-moving fire, Suter's calm in the storm conveyed the scale of the threat, the firefighting challenges, and the dangerously shifting perimeter. ABC News, 5 Nov. 2025 Completing each task gives your brain a small reward, reinforcing calm and focus when the kitchen gets hectic. Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
Known for its fragrant purple blooms, lavender is a popular perennial herb that is beloved for its calming scent and beauty. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2025 Cincinnati took calls on Hendrickson before the year began and was looking for a first-round pick before eventually calming things down by upping the edge-rusher's 2025 salary to $29 million. Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for calm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm
Adjective
  • The Chicago Bears were relatively quiet ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Hotel Fasano São Paulo Itaim Consistently top-notch, from the beds to the dining, Hotel Fasano exudes quiet luxury.
    Jade Moyano, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Each of the 119 rooms is spacious and serene, outfitted with deep soaking tubs, Hästens beds, and balconies that open to crisp mountain air.
    Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The property itself packs in a small kitchen and living area with a wood-burning stove, plus a serene bedroom and laundry room upstairs.
    Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • On campus, Christopher Benton, 48, was arrested and later booked into Alameda County’s Santa Rita Jail for refusing to leave after being asked to do so by police, obstruction and coming on to campus with the intent of interfering with peaceful activities, Mogulof said.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2025
  • But, in a year that has already seen multiple political assassinations, the deployment of the National Guard to American cities, and masked agents of the federal government hauling people off the streets and into unmarked vans, the prospects for a peaceful anniversary appear remote.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The peace declaration included a commitment to withdraw heavy weapons from the border, de-mining efforts, and to de-escalate tensions that erupted into the brief but deadly border conflict.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
  • As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches its fourth year, both sides show signs of fatigue, but neither is ready for peace.
    Jack Watling, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Why not start things off by repainting the living room—there are many shades that designers absolutely love for their soothing factor.
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Entering a bedroom that’s painted a light blue color feels soothing and relaxing; a bathroom that’s a soft shade of green is pleasant to bathe in.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • By Monday evening, the fire crew effectively contained 30% of this wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The green husks contain a natural dye that will stain skin, clothes and concrete.
    Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • From a kitchen inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese design to a colorful yet tranquil Victorian bathroom, Drift Interiors + Architecture can bring any style to life.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Long, flowing lines and a neutral palette create calm, tranquil vibes throughout, while expansive windows invite light in and offer views out.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Senne Lammens continuing his composed start to his United career could at least counteract those types of chances for Brighton, while Amorim’s defenders will need to be astute to the movement of Hurzeler’s front-line.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Only on particularly bumpy tarmac did the GTS-spec suspension become too jarring with the adaptive dampers stiffened up in sport mode, but switching them to normal offered the best of both worlds—excellent, composed body control and tuning that ironed out imperfections remarkably well.
    Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.

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